(1758) Bronze Medal Betts-406, Louisburg

Coin Details

Auction Record

$1,440 XF45 08-23-2024 Stack's Bowers

Description

This brass medal, Betts-406, commemorates Louisburg (alternate spelling) in 1758. The spelling variation between "Louisbourg" and "Louisburg" on medals reflects the inconsistent orthography of the period and different medal manufacturers' choices. The fortress was the most expensive military installation ever built by France in the Americas, costing over 30 million livres over several decades of construction. Its capture required a major military effort by Britain, including the largest amphibious operation yet attempted in North American waters. The fall of Louisbourg was a strategic disaster for France, effectively sealing the fate of New France by opening the St. The quality of die engraving on the finest Betts medals rivals the best European artistic production of their respective periods, with master medalists achieving remarkable detail in portraits, landscapes, and battle scenes. Lawrence to British invasion.

Rarity Notes

Rare. Spelling variant of the Louisbourg medal.

Cross References

Betts-406